Sony's multifaceted AC adapter, PS3 wireless keypad notch December ship dates

We won't say that the onset of the holiday shopping season has, um, encouraged Sony to get with the program here, but the deafening roar of wallets everywhere opening up probably didn't hurt matters. That said, we're informed today that the long-awaited PlayStation 3 wireless keypad will begin hitting US retailers during the first week of December for $49.99. Furthermore, the outfit's multi-purpose twin port AC adapter -- which can charge a DualShock 3, SIXAXIS, Sony Bluetooth headset and the aforementioned wireless keypad attachment -- will be in those same stores a week later for $24.99.

Gallery: Sony's multifaceted AC adapter, PS3 wireless keypad notch December ship dates

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[Eddie @ Nov 26th 2008 11:42AM]

Somehow I think I will manage without either of these for the time being...

[Smelly @ Nov 26th 2008 11:52AM]

thats crazy talk

[Flashpoint @ Nov 26th 2008 12:00PM]

The PS3 has a web browser until the 360. For me, anytime I have a webbrowser, I must have a keyboard. So fortunately PS3 has this basic web browsing covered.

I just wish Xbox360 had a web browser so I'd get more use out of my chatpad. But judging from what happens when they give you updates, a whole slew of 360's would be bricked if they did give us a web browser. My cousin and I updated our 360's when the new experience came out. I had just gotten mine back from RROD repair, and now he has to ship his off cause his bricked. His bricked back in December 2007 too.

[Luiz @ Nov 26th 2008 11:54AM]

I don't understand this. Isn't the wireless keypad already available on the US? I saw it yesterday on my local bestbuy and just checked their website: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9062033&st=ps3+accessories&lp=10&type=product&cp=3&id=1218014208336

[Jack Storm @ Nov 26th 2008 12:54PM]

Yeah i thought i was the only one, its been at my local best buy for a few weeks now, im sure.

[jason @ Nov 26th 2008 12:01PM]

wtf...

Why is the keyboard on top?! that makes no sense at all.

I mean... wtf...

That looks like the most useless thing ever, having to take your hands away from the controller to type?

My friend has the "chatpad" or whatever for the 360, but with that, you can still hold the controller normally and just hit the keys w/ your thumbs.


I can see why sony doesnt want to copy, but i would rather see them copy than have this be my option for a controller pad on the PS3.

We PS3 owners deserve better sony..

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 26th 2008 12:04PM]

Because the port is on the top. Where the 360 was always going to have the chat pad so they put it under the joysticks.

[johann @ Nov 26th 2008 12:08PM]

but the keypad doesn't connect to the controller through the mini usb port it connects over bluetooth

[jason @ Nov 26th 2008 12:09PM]

I dont know, If I was at sony I could probably design a ribbon or something that goes from the top port and slides along the back of the controller. I mean there are ways of making it functional.

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 12:18PM]

Actually I was holding my controller and placing at the bottom would be pretty awkward. Try reaching the topish area of your controller...its not too bad.

[lorddshadow2 @ Nov 26th 2008 5:53PM]

being on top is better.

[drsnacks @ Nov 26th 2008 12:05PM]

when to they get to telling us the point of this? prob on the box somewhere?

[superaktieboy @ Nov 26th 2008 12:06PM]

for the uk people, its for £17.99 over at Play.com: http://www.play.com/Games/PlayStation3/4-/8115006/-/Product.html?searchstring=ps3+keypad&searchsource=0

[required @ Nov 26th 2008 12:11PM]

I'd prefer the same size keyboard that could work alongside the controller instead of being attached to it. Then again maybe I'd really like this arrangement. Problem is that fifty dollars are too many to try and find out.

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 12:23PM]

Why so expensive? The keypad should be more like 35 bux.

[Ignatius @ Nov 26th 2008 1:34PM]

Considering it's asstastic placement on the controller (above it, rather than below, enjoy those stretches!), it should probably be sold for far less than even the Chatpad for the 360.

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 3:35PM]

It seems to me like you've already used it...watch the video and hold the controller in your hand and imagine the placement. Its not too bad...

[macgregger @ Nov 26th 2008 12:37PM]

is there nothing wrong with using a wireless keyboard and mouse combo? mine works pretty well with web browsing and unreal tournament 3. cheaper and more useful than that hurtbag of a keypad peripheral...

[NHAnimator @ Nov 26th 2008 12:37PM]

I have to admit that the placement is a bit odd, but I assume that Sony didn't just stick it up there with no research/feedback whatsoever. I do like the idea of the keyboard doubling as a touchpad for the mouse.

I'm gonna reserve judgment on this thing until a I get a good base of actual users giving feedback.

[Bob S. @ Nov 26th 2008 12:48PM]

Bluetooth, hm? Get this to pair with the iPhone and both of them will be worth buying.

[Patriks7 @ Nov 26th 2008 1:20PM]

Uhm, I highly doubt that the bluetooth of the iPhone has the power for this.. but wait for the next gen iPhone, it will be all about full bluetooth..

[Big Boy @ Nov 26th 2008 1:53PM]

How the Fu@% did this turn into an iPhone story. It doesn't fail! My Turn get a Touch Pro with a damn Keyboard like me! Now back to your regularly scheduled comments about the PS3 accessory.

[inteller @ Nov 26th 2008 1:07PM]

ewww.....talk about bad planning. this is definitely an afterthought. Xbox Chatpad FTW!

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 3:37PM]

Ya..cuz the chatpad didn't come out 2 years after the 360 did.

[Patriks7 @ Nov 26th 2008 1:19PM]

Will this only connect to the PS3 or can I say use it for my laptop?

[Oli D @ Nov 26th 2008 2:35PM]

why would you want it for your laptop?

You can get better wireless keyboards for half the price...

[Matt @ Nov 26th 2008 4:01PM]

Show me another bluetooth thumbboard. Let alone one for $50. Yes, you can get smallish bluetooth keyboards... just not thumbboards.

[Sean @ Nov 26th 2008 3:38PM]

You failed to answer the question Oli D by jumping in and saying why would someone want to do that. Personally, I would like that sense I use my controller sometimes just for fun to use it as my PC mouse. But I think it may be possible for laptop use, considering that it is bluetooth.

[Patriks7 @ Nov 27th 2008 9:39AM]

Well I would want this because it's small, practical and I really love the mouse idea.. so you know on one screen I can be playing games while chatting on my PC ;)

[colin @ Nov 26th 2008 9:39PM]

Man that's pretty spiffy, looks better then the 360 one.

[tomasse @ Nov 26th 2008 1:45PM]

*Personal Opininon* Useless...ABSOLUTELY USELESS!!!
Use your common USB Keyboard & Mouse..and you're just fine!!!
NOT EVEN TOUCHING IT!!!

[Jon Nelson @ Nov 26th 2008 2:17PM]

Er, I just saw this in Best Buy a couple days ago in Dublin, CA.

At least I'm almost certain I did, because I thought "Hey! Didn't I see that on Engadget a few months ago?" or something along those lines. Forgive me for not checking my sources but Dublin is an 80-mile round trip from Richmond.

[Oli D @ Nov 26th 2008 2:34PM]

can i really get excited about an ac adapter for christmas?

"Look jimmy, just like you wanted, a kettle lead hooray!"
"Thanks mom, now i can plug in all my favorite generic appliances!"
"haha you sure can, unless they have an external power brick, then dont even go there!"
"hahaha and a happy new year"

Real scenario.

[Raitei @ Nov 26th 2008 3:12PM]

The PS3 pad fits in my hand so that its easier for me to hit buttons above it with my thumb rather than bellow it. The XBOX pad however is shaped better for having the pad bellow. Overall i think their chatpads are both placed well.

I think the best thing about the Keyboard attatchment for the ps3 is the ability to run your fingers over the letter keys and use it as a trackpad or mouse, which means the internet can be used easily with just the chatpad

[Alec @ Nov 26th 2008 3:31PM]

Any chance of the keypad working with YDL/other linux distros? Seems like it would be handy, and a lot cheaper/less bulky (therefore easier to store on my nightstand) than, say, the logitech bluetooth keyboard/trackpad combo thing.

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 3:39PM]

Does it have a connection to the controller too? Can I charge both the keypad and the controller at the same time?

[Lord Negatron @ Nov 26th 2008 4:00PM]

All this talk of chat pad placement is useless, yes its at the top. Let me know what non MMO game, requires spit fire typing whilst you play. I've had the 360 chat pad for the longest. Guess what its collecting dust. why type a messge when you can record it...

Its gotten used when i feel, hey, i paid for it. soo....here we go...*tap tap tap*

[Cooper @ Nov 26th 2008 5:06PM]

Its already out in Aus. I un packed it yesterday at my work and had a mess around with it, pretty cool.

[Nomi @ Nov 26th 2008 7:23PM]

Do you need two cables to charge the controller and keypad? or is there a pass through or something?